890.20/12–2749: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 27—12:45 p. m.]
Cantel 1343. During initial call on FonMin Yeh December 26 found him brimming with self-confident good humor. He lost little time in pointing out he was now member of 3-man standing committee of Executive Yuan, said committee in constant session, really running Central Government; added Generalissimo had turned over to him house only 50 yards from Generalissimo’s own residence. In response to question whether he then planned remain in Central Government, Yeh replied he would stay until “Government reshuffled”, after which he would take needed rest.
Conclusion is to be drawn that Yeh now feels more important, is getting established in inner circles and thus does not want to quit, as he did earlier. It seems doubtful that any big reshuffle will occur but merely a continuation in the series of changes which have taken place already over period of time. Thus he may be attempting justify failure live up to earlier statements. It might be added that Yeh told L. K. Little89 recently and me that he telling Generalissimo [that] Taiwan not defensible alone over extended period and that either Luichow peninsula must be held or landing made on China coast. With what means either to be achieved he did not say. He says he opposes conscription of Taiwanese to begin January, but “guesses that is Chen Cheng’s90 problem for decisions”.
Yeh also told Little that chances are now 60 to 40 that US aid would be forthcoming soon.